A Day Full of Insights and Opportunities
Denver Startup Week 2024 marked a significant milestone with the inaugural International Day, an event dedicated to celebrating Denver's vibrant international business ecosystem. Denver Sister Cities International was honored to be a proud sponsor of this incredible event, which brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, students, global business leaders, and civic representatives to explore the impact of global trends on Denver's local economy.
Hosted at the CU Denver Business School, the day kicked off with a session on "Denver’s Global Connections," where attendees gained insights into how our city is fostering relationships around the world. The agenda was packed with dynamic panels and discussions, covering topics such as Denver's venture capital landscape for global founders, finding success in the global market, and navigating the future of work in a global economy.
One of the highlights was the session "Understanding Japan Through Business, Education, and Cultural Synergy," presented by the Japan America Society of Colorado. This session provided a deep dive into the unique cultural and business connections between Denver and Japan, setting the stage for our own Executive Director, Sacha Francois Heppell.
Denver Sister Cities: A Legacy of Citizen Diplomacy
Our Executive Director, Sacha Francois Heppell, took the stage to speak about the importance of Denver Sister Cities International and the legacy of our city-to-city relationships. With Denver-Takayama, Japan, sister city celebrating its 65th anniversary next year, Sacha highlighted the long-standing commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange. He also emphasized the significance of becoming a Citizen Diplomat and the various opportunities to get involved with our organization.
It was a moment of pride to showcase Denver’s ten sister cities and the power of citizen diplomacy in building bridges across cultures and continents. We were delighted to engage with so many entrepreneurs and students eager to connect with our mission and learn how they can contribute to fostering global relationships.
A Collaborative Effort
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Board Member, Martín González, and the entire team at Denver Economic Development & Opportunity for organizing such a successful event. Their efforts in bringing together a diverse and dynamic group of speakers and participants truly made International Day a memorable experience.
We also had the privilege of hearing from Mayor Mike Johnston, who spoke about the importance of global relationships and the role they play in enriching Denver’s startup scene. His remarks underscored the city's commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally connected community.
Building a Global Network
Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to meet and interact with entrepreneurs from around the world, including those participating in the Denver Global Landing Pad program. It was inspiring to see the innovative spirit and drive of these global founders as they shared their journeys and aspirations.
Our booth was set up alongside other key organizations such as WorldDenver, Denver Council on Foreign Relations, and the Colorado-Israel Chamber of Commerce. This collaborative environment allowed for fruitful exchanges and showcased the strength of Denver’s global network.
Looking Forward
International Day at Denver Startup Week was a resounding success, highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of Denver's international business community. We are already looking forward to next year's event and the continued growth of our city's global connections.
As we reflect on the day, we are reminded of the power of citizen diplomacy and the impact that fostering international relationships can have on our community. We encourage anyone interested in getting involved with Denver Sister Cities International to join us in our mission to connect Denver with the world, promoting peace through people-to-people relationships.
Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to engage with our sister cities. Together, we can build a more connected, understanding, and prosperous global community.
